Breast band

ABSTRACT

A breast band includes a resilient, elastic band that, in some embodiments, is covered by a soft, moisture absorbent fabric, and also includes an adjustable closure as well as two axilla-accommodating regions or two nascent axilla-accommodating regions.

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This case claims priority of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser.No. 61/448,272 filed Mar. 2, 2011, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article for use after breastaugmentation surgery and breast reconstruction surgery in whichexpanders and/or implants are used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After breast augmentation or reconstruction (using expanders andimplants), it usually necessary to exert, for a period of a few weeks,downward pressure on the breast implant to stabilize it, keep theimplant in its correct position, and prevent it from rising to settle inan unnaturally high position. To accomplish this, physicians willtypically recommend that the patient wear a breast band or binder thatensures that the implants settle in the infra-mammary crease in anatural position.

FIG. 1 depicts breast band 100, which is typical of a breast band in theprior art. This known breast band includes band 102, overwrap 104, andadjustable closure 106. Band 102 is usually formed from a resilient,elastic material such. The band is typically a few inches in height. Theheight H of band 100, which is measured between upper edge 108 and loweredge 110 of the band 102, is constant. It is to be understood that theterms “upper” and “lower,” when used to reference a particular “edge” ofthe band, refer to the respective locations of the edges when the bandis being worn by a patient.

Manufacturers of breast bands understand that the bands will be worn forrelatively long periods of time (weeks). As a consequence, the bandsoften include overwrap 104, which is a soft, moisture-absorbent materialthat overlies band 102 and is intended to contact the skin of a wearer.The overwrap offers a measure of comfort to the wearer. Adjustableclosure 106 enables the band to opened, as is required to place the bandaround the wearer's upper chest (or remove it), and to be closed so thatthe band remains on the wearer. The adjustable nature of the closureaccommodates different body sizes, etc.

Notwithstanding manufacturers' efforts, patients routinely complain thatthe bands are uncomfortable. Typical complaints are that the band is tootight, tends to crease or fold over, irritates the skin and surgicalincisions, and cuts into the axilla (armpit).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a breast band that avoids some of theshortcomings of the prior art. In particular, by virtue of itsconstruction, the breast band will not crease or fold over nor will itcut into the axilla.

In the illustrative embodiment, the breast band comprises an elasticmaterial, covered with a soft, moisture-absorbent material and having ahook-and-loop type (Velcro®) closure. Furthermore, breast bands inaccordance with the present teachings are configured to provide twoaxilla-accommodating regions.

The axilla-accommodating regions provide a reduced height relative tothe rest of the breast band. In some embodiments, the breast band, asmanufactured, provides two, reduced-height, axilla-accommodatingregions. In particular, the upper edge of the breast band (when in use)in the axilla-accommodating regions is “lower” than the upper edge ofthe rest of the breast band, as if a portion of the band were “cut-out”or removed. As such, the height of the band is less in theaxilla-accommodating regions than the rest of the band. Theaxilla-accommodating regions are located on opposed portions of thebreast band (when the two ends of the band are brought together).

In some other embodiments, rather than being manufactured withreduced-height axilla-accommodating regions, the breast band isphysically adapted to enable a purchaser/therapist/wearer to removeportions of the breast band to create the axilla-accommodating regions.

When the band is worn, the axilla-accommodating regions are positionedbeneath each axilla to accommodate motion of the upper arms. Thisprevents the irritation that would otherwise occur. In addition, therelatively lower upper edge of the band in the axilla-accommodatingregions substantially reduces the likelihood that the breast band willcrease or fold over in use, as would otherwise occur due to the movementof the upper arm. Such creasing and folding is uncomfortable for thewearer, results in unflattering lines/bulges under the user's outerwear,and can be a further source of irritation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts breast band 100 in the prior art.

FIG. 2 depicts breast band 200 in accordance with the illustrativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict a partial view of breast band 200 depicting variouscontours for an axilla-accommodating region.

FIG. 4A depicts breast band 400 in accordance with the present inventionincluding nascent axilla-accommodating regions.

FIG. 4B depicts breast band 400 in accordance with the present inventionincluding nascent axilla-accommodating regions and seams.

FIG. 5 depicts breast band 400 of FIG. 4B, wherein theaxilla-accommodating regions are formed by removing first portions ofthe breast band.

FIG. 6 depicts breast band 400 of FIG. 4B, wherein theaxilla-accommodating regions are formed by removing second portions ofthe breast band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2 depicts breast band 200 in accordance with the illustrativeembodiment of the present invention. Breast band 200 comprises band 202,optional overwrap 204, adjustable closure 206, and axilla-accommodatingregions 212A and 212B (collectively referenced “212”)

Band 202 is typically formed from a resilient, elastic material, such asGore elastic. The height, H, of band 202, as measured between upper edge208 and lower edge 210 is typically in a range of about 5 to 7.5centimeters (2 to 3 inches), other than at axilla-accommodating regions212. Optional overwrap 204 is a soft, moisture-absorbent material thatoverlies band 202 and is intended to contact the skin of a wearer. Theoverwrap 204 is usually a material such as chamois cotton cloth orlooped fabric (e.g., terrycloth, etc.). In some embodiments, band 202 isformed from a material that has a suitably soft exterior surface suchthat overwrap 204 is omitted.

Adjustable closure 206 enables the band to opened, as is required toplace the band around the wearer's upper chest (or remove it therefrom),and to be closed so that the band remains on the wearer. The adjustablenature of the closure accommodates different body sizes, etc. In someembodiments, the adjustable closure comprises two strips ofhook-and-loop fastener (i.e., Velcro®), one disposed on each end of band202. Other adjustable closure mechanisms can suitably be used as long asthey are not a source of discomfort to the wearer.

Axilla-accommodating regions 212 comprise reduced-height portions 214 ofband 202. The orientation of breast band 200, as depicted in FIG. 2, isthe orientation in which the band is fitted to a wearer; that is, edge208 is superior (higher) and edge 210 is inferior (lower). Thus, in theaxilla-accommodating regions, upper edge 208 “dips” such that heightH_(R) between the upper edge of band 202 in the axilla-accommodatingregion and lower edge 210 of band 202 is reduced relative to the heightH of the balance of band 202. Upper edge 208 of band 202 inaxilla-accommodating regions 212 is at least about 1.25 centimeters (0.5inches) “lower” than the upper edge of band 202 at other locations, andmore preferably at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) “lower.”

Length L of axilla-accommodating regions 212 is sufficient to span theaxilla regions of a wearer. Typically, the length L of theaxilla-accommodating regions will be at least about 10 centimeters (4inches) and typically in a range of about 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6inches).

Axilla-accommodating regions 212 can have any of a number of “profiles,”a few of which are depicted in FIGS. 3A to 3C. As depicted in FIG. 3A,in some embodiments, upper edge 208 of the band in axilla-accommodatingregions 212 is contoured such that, in profile, it drops along a smoothcurve in regions 316 near each end of region 212 and flattens in region318 such that it is parallel to lower edge 210.

FIG. 3B depicts an embodiment wherein upper edge 208 of the band inaxilla-accommodating regions 212 is contoured such that, in profile, itdrops at an angle, but linearly, in regions 316 near each end of region212 and flattens in region 318 such that it is parallel to lower edge210.

FIG. 3C depicts an embodiment wherein upper edge 208 of the band inaxilla-accommodating regions 212 has a substantially arcuate profile.Other profiles for axilla-accommodating regions 212, as will occur tothose skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure, maysuitably be employed.

FIG. 4A depicts breast band 400 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Like breast band 200, breast band 400 includes band402, optional overwrap 404, and adjustable closure 406.

Unlike breast band 200, which includes “preformed” axilla-accommodatingregions 212, breast band 400 includes nascent axilla-accommodatingregions 420A and 420B (collectively referenced “420”). That is, breastband 400 is configured so that portions of the band can be removed toform axilla-accommodating regions. But the axilla-accommodating regionsdo not exist until portions of band 402 are removed by a purchaser,patient, therapist, etc.

In the embodiment shown, each nascent axilla-accommodating region 420comprises “fissures” 424 and 428. In preferred embodiments, fissures 424and 428 are regions at which a portion of band 402 is readily separatedfrom the remainder of the band. For example, fissure 424 can berouletting, perforations, or the like that enable portion 422 of band402 to be removed. Likewise, fissure 428 can be rouletting,perforations, etc., that enable band portions 426 and 422 of band 402 tobe removed. In some less preferred embodiments, rather than including afissure, a “cut” line can be indicated, wherein a pair of scissors,etc., is used to cut the band to create the axilla-accommodatingregions.

Although breast band 400 includes two fissures 424 and 428, in someother embodiments, breast band 400 includes only a single fissure. Insome further embodiments, breast band 400 includes more than twofissures. The greater the number of fissures in back band 400, thegreater the ability to tailor the axilla-accommodating regions to meetthe individual needs of a given patient.

In embodiments in which breast band 400 comprises multiple layers ofmaterial, such as when overwrap 404 is present, it is important thatwhen the portions of band 402 are removed to form theaxilla-accommodating regions, the multiple layers remain joined. Thatis, for example, overwrap 404 must not separate from the materialcomprising band 402 at fissure 424 when band portion 422 is removed.

As a consequence, in some such embodiments, band 402 further comprises“seams” 430 and 432, such as depicted in the embodiment of breast band400 that is depicted in FIG. 4B. The seams are a line-of-junction wherethe layers are joined. The seams can be formed by an ultrasonic weld,any of a variety of heat-joining techniques, stitches, or via any othertechnique known in the art.

As depicted in FIG. 4B, seam 430 is “below” fissure 424 and seam 432 isbelow fissure 428. Thus, when band portion 422 is removed at fissure424, nearby-seam 430 ensures that overwrap 404 does not separate fromband 402. Likewise, seam 432 enables band portions 422 and 426 to beremoved without the aforementioned separation.

Fissures 424 and 428 and seams 430 and 432 are depicted and described asdistinct features. It is to be understood, however, that in otherembodiments, the functionality of the fissures and the functionality ofthe seams can be integrated into a single feature that is capable offunctioning as a line of separation but that is also capable of keepingmultiple layers of material (e.g., band 402 and overwrap 404, etc.)joined together. The separation of these functions into distinctfeatures is primarily for pedagogical purposes.

FIG. 5 depicts breast band 400 with band portion 422 removed, therebyforming axilla-accommodating regions 512A and 512B. Note that althoughband portion 422 is removed at fissure 426, seam 430 remains to ensurethat band 402 and overwrap 404 do not separate. Also, band portion 426,fissure 428, and seam 432 are intact.

FIG. 6 depicts breast band 400 with both of band portions 422 and 426removed, thereby forming axilla-accommodating regions 612A and 612B thanare “deeper” than axilla-accommodating regions 512A and 512B, whereinonly portion 422 was removed.

It is to be understood that many variations of the invention can easilybe devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure andthat the scope of the present invention is to be determined by thefollowing claims.

1. A breast band comprising: a band, wherein the band comprises aresilient, elastic material; a closure, wherein the closure enables theband to be opened and closed; and one of: (a) first and secondaxilla-accommodating regions, wherein the first and secondaxilla-accommodating regions have a reduced height relative to the restof the band; or (b) first and second nascent axilla-accommodatingregions, wherein each nascent axilla-accommodating region comprises afirst physical adaptation that facilitates removal of a portion of theband, thereby forming an axilla-accommodating region having a reducedheight relative to the rest of the band.
 2. The breast band of claim 1wherein the first physical adaptation is a fissure in each nascentaxilla-accommodating region, wherein the fissure facilitates removal ofthe portion of the band to provide the axilla-accommodating region. 3.The breast band of claim 1 further comprising an overwrap that overliesthe band, wherein the overwrap comprises a moisture absorbent material.4. The breast band of claim 2 and further wherein the nascentaxilla-accommodating regions each comprise a seam, wherein, when thebreast band is worn, the seam is disposed beneath the fissure, andwherein the seam joins the band and the overwrap so that the overwrap isprevented from disengaging from the band when the portion of the band isremoved.
 5. A breast band comprising: a band, wherein the band comprisesa resilient, elastic material; a closure, wherein the closure enablesthe band to be opened and closed; and first and secondaxilla-accommodating regions, wherein the first and secondaxilla-accommodating regions have a reduced height relative to the restof the band, and wherein when the breast band is worn, the first andsecond axilla-accommodating regions are positioned below each axilla ofa wearer.
 6. The breast band of claim 5 further comprising an overwrapthat overlies the band, wherein the overwrap comprises a moistureabsorbent material.
 7. The breast band of claim 5 wherein eachaxilla-accommodating region is at least one-half inch lower in heightthan the rest of the band.
 8. The breast band of claim 5 wherein eachaxilla-accommodating region has a length of at least four inches.
 9. Abreast band comprising: a band, wherein the band comprises a resilient,elastic material; a closure, wherein the closure enables the band to beopened and closed; first and second nascent axilla-accommodatingregions, wherein each nascent axilla-accommodating region comprises afirst physical adaptation that facilitates removal of a portion of theband within the nascent axilla-accommodating region, thereby forming anaxilla-accommodating region having a reduced height relative to the restof the band.
 10. The breast band of claim 9 wherein the first physicaladaptation comprises a fissure, wherein the fissure facilitates removalof the portion of the band to provide the axilla-accommodating region.11. The breast band of claim 9 wherein the first physical adaptationcomprises a cut line, wherein, a user cuts the band along the cut lineto remove the portion of the band, thereby forming theaxilla-accommodating region.
 12. The breast band of claim 10 furthercomprising an overwrap that overlies the band, wherein the overwrapcomprises a moisture absorbent material.
 13. The breast band of claim 12and further wherein the first and second nascent axilla-accommodatingregions each comprise a seam, wherein, when the breast band is worn, theseam is disposed beneath the fissure, and wherein the seam joins theband and the overwrap so that the overwrap is prevented from disengagingfrom the band when the portion of the band is removed.
 14. The breastband of claim 9 wherein a portion of the band that extends at leastone-half inch below an upper edge of the band is removed from each ofthe first and second nascent axilla-accommodating regions to form theaxilla-accommodating regions.
 15. The breast band of claim 9 wherein thefirst and second nascent axilla-accommodating region each have a lengthof at least four inches.